Standard equipment: No fancy stuff, mate. AM/FM radio-cassette, map reading lights, height adjustable steering wheel and a cargo barrier behind the driver's seat (unfortunately the passenger cops a parcel in the head). Lack of central locking a nuisance, but well worth the $940 option (sold in a package with heated mirrors).

Safety: Bumper, bonnet and brakes. A driver's air bag is $940 but anti-lock brakes are not available.

Cabin: Large door opening and tall driving position makes getting in and out 20 times a day a little easier. Spartan layout but plenty of usable storage space. Vinyl floor in the rear stops the cargo slipping and sliding. A clever flap at the rear of the roof means you can climb tall buildings with a single bound (and a ladder).

Seating: The driver's pew feels like a high chair and has good thigh support for long hours on the road. The front passenger's seat folds to make for more cargo space and doubles as a desktop, drink holder or a silent, square-looking companion.

Engine: The biggest clue to the Berlingo's performance is that there is a clock instead of a tacho in the instrument cluster. The 1.4-litre four-cylinder (57kW) engine won't pin your ears back but in this climate maybe an engine that sips fuel like this isn't such a bad idea.

Steering: Light and easy with a respectable turning circle (10.7m) for a front-wheel drive. The horn button is located on the indicator stalk so you can lean on the centre of the steering wheel to fill in the paperwork.

Ride: Vans and mattresses are synonymous but here's a van that rides like a mattress.

Handling: The French know their curves and the well-sorted Citroen suspension makes you look at roundabouts in a new light. The key is a long, wide footprint, quality Michelin tyres and independent suspension all round.

Fuel: Expect an average of 9.0 litres/100km around town with "enthusiastic" driving.

Brakes: Superb. For a van it stops like a sports car, even though it only has front discs and rear drums.

Build: A bit dodgy. Not as good as the Citroen sedans we've sampled. The test car had numerous interior squeaks and rattles and the doors closed with a disturbing clang.

Warranty: Two years/unlimited kilometres and two years' 24-hour roadside assistance.

Security: A lockable fuel cap and an engine immobiliser.

Audio: Average sound from AM/FM radio-cassette but good enough to catch the traffic updates.

Cost: There is only one model and it is $16,399 plus on-road costs. The only options are air conditioning ($1,438), electric windows ($564) and a choice of three cargo shields.

Verdict: A niche vehicle for small businesses with niche needs, the Berlingo is a worthy proposition for those who find conventional vans too big, too tall and too cumbersome.